System for Placement of Surfboard Fin Attachment for Multiple Foot Sizes

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses and methods are provided for achieving a surfboard design that accommodates multiple foot sizes of board riders. In one embodiment, the surfboard may include a first multi-fin plug securely mounted to a bottom surface at a first lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first multi-fin plug comprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin. The surfboard may include a second multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the second multi-fin plug is on an opposite side of the centerline and comprises a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/234,065 filed Aug. 14, 2009, entitled “SYSTEM FOR PLACEMENT OFSURFBOARD FIN ATTACHMENT FOR MULTIPLE FOOT SIZES,” and is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/778,026filed May 11, 2010, entitled “SYSTEM FOR FIN PLACEMENT ON SURFBOARDS,”both of which are hereby expressly incorporated in their entirety byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

Ever since the advent of multi-fin design in surfboard manufacture,there has been various fin configuration systems devised to capitalizeon their respective advantages and disadvantages.

A very popular fin configuration known in the art as the thruster finconfiguration consists of two widely spaced fins positionedapproximately directly below the back foot of the surfer in his naturalstance and very close to the edge or rail of the surfboard. A singletrailing fin is positioned more towards the tail of the surfboard. Thethruster fin configuration has made major breakthroughs in themaneuverability and control of surfboards due to its ability to completefast turns and to grip the higher part of the wave. A similarconfiguration using four rather than three fins is known in the art asthe quad fin configuration. In this configuration there are two trailingfins rather than a single trailing fin.

The predominant configuration of the leading fins in any configurationis to place these fins close to the rail or edge of the surfboard. Theintent is to use as much of the surfboards width as possible to allowthe fins to be placed where they have the most likelihood of engagingthe water during turns and during maneuvers at the high or steep partsof the wave.

This has resulted in a situation where it is common for the surfboardrider to have to move his foot in order to properly leverage and balancethe forces acting on the surfboard and the fin during maneuvers. Thisrepositioning of the foot results in momentary loss of control, thepossibility of wrong placement and repositioning and also represents asignificant delay in executing the turning maneuver.

There remains a need for a surfboard design that allows the surfer tomake turns direction without the need relocate the foot. This way thesurfer can keep their foot in the one location and execute turns andmaneuvers faster and with more confidence. However, the surfboard finscannot be attached at the optimal position for a given surfer duringcommercial manufacture when the foot size of the given surfer is not yetknown. Accordingly, there remains a need for a surfboard design thatmakes it possible to accommodate a variety of foot lengths aftercommercial manufacture of the surfboard.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodimentsin order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments,and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of allembodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in asimplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that ispresented later.

In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding disclosurethereof, various aspects are described in connection with an improvedsurfboard design, as well as a system and method for fin placement onsurfboards. In one embodiment, there is provided a surfboard having anelongated body extending between a nose and a tail along a centerline ofa longitudinal axis, wherein the body comprises a deck, a bottomsurface, and a tail region. The surfboard may have a first multi-finplug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at afirst lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first multi-finplug comprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodatemultiple lateral positions for a first fin.

In related aspects, a given one of the first plurality of fin base slotsmay be aligned with one of a toe tip and a heel of a user. In furtherrelated aspects, the first multi-fin plug may have a first plurality ofgrooves, each groove interfacing with one of the first plurality of finbase slots, each groove configured to receive a fastener for the firstfin. In yet further related aspects, the surfboard may have a secondmulti-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail regionat a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the secondmulti-fin plug is on an opposite side of the centerline with respect tothe first multi-fin plug and comprises a second plurality of fin baseslots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin.

In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding disclosurethereof, there is provided a surfboard having an elongated board havinga centerline of a longitudinal axis, a top surface, a bottom surface,and a tail region. The surfboard may have a first plug securely mountedto the bottom surface in the tail region at a first lateral distancefrom the centerline, wherein the first plug comprises a first pluralityof fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a firstfin. The surfboard may also have a second plug securely mounted to thebottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from thecenterline, wherein the second plug comprises a second plurality of finbase slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin.The first plurality of fin base slots and the second plurality of finbase slots may be spaced to accommodate multiple foot sizes.

In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding disclosurethereof, there is provided a method that involves: calculating aplurality of foot sizes for surfboard users; and mounting a first plugto a bottom surface of a surfboard at a first lateral distance from asurfboard centerline, the first plug comprising a first plurality of finbase slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin tobe aligned with a user heel. The method may further involve mounting asecond plug to the bottom surface at a second lateral distance from thecenterline, the second plug comprising a second plurality of fin baseslots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin to bealigned with a user toe tip, wherein the first plurality of fin baseslots and the second plurality of fin base slots are spaced toaccommodate the plurality of foot sizes.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or moreembodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects ofthe one or more embodiments. These aspects are indicative, however, ofbut a few of the various ways in which the principles of variousembodiments may be employed and the described embodiments are intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment in profile view from the rear.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment in plan view from the top.

FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment during turn while in the surf.

FIG. 4 shows a known type of fin placement method.

FIG. 5 provides a plan view of an example lateral multi-fin plugincluding cross section line.

FIG. 6 provides a side view of an example lateral multi-fin plug whenviewed after the plug has been cut at the cross section line of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates the underside of an exemplary surfboard with lateralmulti-fin plugs.

FIG. 8 illustrates the relationship between the slots in a lateralmulti-fin plug and various foot sizes of surfboard riders.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment that implements a thruster or tri-finconfiguration looking from the back of the surfboard in profile view.The example embodiment relates to a turn executed by the surfer usingdownward pressure from the heel 15 in what is called a backhand turn inthe art. The example embodiment can be assumed to use the sameprinciples of design when applied to the toe and ball 22 of the foot orin a forehand turn as it is known in the art.

FIG. 1 depicts two leading fins in a thruster fin configuration namelythe left 13 and right 12 fin. The surfer's rear foot 16 is depicted. Thesurfer applies downward pressure to the surfboard through the ball andtoes 22 of his foot and through the heel 15 of his foot. Pressure isapplied to either the heel or the ball and toes of the foot depending onwhether the surfer wants to execute a forehand or ball and toes 22 basedturn or a backhand or heel 15 based turn.

A point of balance 20 occurs at a location less than or equal to halfwaybetween the distance 11 from the centerline 18 to the fin 12. If theheel pressure 15 occurs at a distance 21 that is less than the distance10 from the fulcrum point, the surfer's downward pressure 15 will tendto force the surfboard to flatten out rather than to bank into the turnwith a resulting loss of control and maneuverability.

However, if the heel pressure 15 is applied to a point that is a greaterdistance from the boards centerline 18 to the point of balance 20, theresult is that downward pressure 15 is applied directly to the fins 12turning surface and the boards 14 bottom planning surface resulting inmore control and a tighter turning circumference or arc.

FIG. 2 shows the example embodiment in plan view with the point ofpressure for the heel 15 being applied at a distance 21 that is greaterthan the distance 10 of the point of balance 20 from the board'scenterline 18.

FIG. 3 shows the advantage of placing the fin 12 at a position definedby the design described herein. This figure further illustrates theforces that occur during the turn of a surfboard and how the designdescribed herein produces advantages.

FIG. 3 illustrates a backhand turn where pressure is being applied tothe surfboard by the heel 15 of the foot. The water surface 32 is beingused by the surfboard for a plane effect. The curved shape of thesurfboard is known in the art to contribute to the board's ability toturn. As the board begins to turn, pressure 30 and the foiled shape offins known in the art begin to add to the hydrodynamics allowing theboard to turn. As the side of the surfboard 14 digs into the water 32pressure starts to increase 31 at the side or rail of the surfboard.

FIG. 3 more readily illustrates how the placement of the fin 12 in theexample embodiment is preferably no greater than twice the distance fromthe centerline 18 to the point of downward heel pressure 15 so that it15 can be applied to the fin-ward side of the point of leverage 20.

On this basis the equation for the placement of fins using this presentdesign can be expressed as A<2B, where A equals the distance of the fin12 from the centerline 18 and B equals the distance from the centerline18 to the heels point of downward pressure 15.

Although the design described herein recognizes that this principle canbe used to place fins at any distance less than twice the distance ofthe centerline 18 to the heel 15, it is known in the art that there is adistinct advantage to placing the fins as far as possible apart to allowmaximum opportunity for the fin 12 to engage and interact with the wavesurface.

In the example embodiment the fin 12 placement is calculated to allowthe complete point of contact between the heel and its applied downwardpressure 15 and the surfboard deck to occur at a distance of greaterthan halfway between the centerline and the fin 12. This will ensurethat all applied force is made to the correct side of the fulcrum ofbalance 20 during the turn.

FIG. 4 is included as prior art for the purposes of clarification andexplanation. This figure discloses one of the most used calculations forthe placement of fins. In this calculation, the fins are placedapproximately one inch 40 from the board's edge or rail. The intent isto ensure that there is maximum opportunity for the fin to engage andinteract with the wave surface depending on the surfboards design.

FIG. 4 also exemplifies why there is a common need to reposition thefoot during turns. If the distance from the centerline of the surfboardto the fin is more than twice the distance of the heel or toe-ball fromthe centerline of the board, the surfers downward pressure will beapplied to the wrong side of the fulcrum of leverage forcing the boardto move sideways away from the arc of the turn forcing a wider turn andpossible loss of control.

With respect to alternative embodiments, even though the exampleembodiment uses a fin placement calculation that positions the completeheel region to the fin 12 side of the fulcrum of leverage 20, analternative embodiment can be applied to any fin 12 configuration thatplaces the actual point of downward heel pressure 15 as a specific pointlocated by averaging the downward pressure of the area covered by theheel as it makes contact with the board. It is noted that the designdescribed herein can be used for surfboards with any number of finsgreater than one.

The example embodiment discloses a method where the fins are attached tothe surfboard using customized manufacture based on the intended user'sfoot length. Alternative embodiments could include a fin placementsystem to allow for multiple fin placements depending on the length ofsurfers foot.

An alternative embodiment could include a set of fin attachment devicesknown in the art set in multiple configurations to accommodate thelongest, the middle and shortest average foot width of the intendedcustomer population so that custom fin placement can be achieved withoutcustomizing the manufacturing process to each surfboard rider.

Alternatively, a customizable fin box system could be used that allowsthe fin to be placed anywhere in a range of positions depending on thefoot length and in accordance with the rules set by the design of theembodiments described herein.

In accordance with aspects of the embodiments described herein, FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary surfboard that comprises an elongated board orbody 14 extending between a nose end and a tail end along a centerline18 of a longitudinal axis. The elongated body 15 may comprise: a deck; abottom surface; and a tail region (see FIG. 2). In one embodiment, afirst fin 12 is securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tailregion at a first lateral distance 11 from the centerline 18, resultingin a first fulcrum of balance 20 located along the first lateraldistance 11. With reference to FIG. 3, the deck may support a foot of auser placed in the tail region, the foot transferring a downwardpressure 15 to the body at a first pressure point (e.g., the tip ofarrow 15). The first fulcrum of balance 20 may be located between thecenterline 18 and the first pressure point, such that the user is ableto apply the downward pressure 15 to a fin-ward side of the firstfulcrum of balance 20. In another embodiment, the downward pressure 15may be at the ball or toe region of the foot. In yet another embodiment,the fin 13 is mounted to the bottom surface according to the principlesdescribed above with respect to fin 12.

In related aspects, the first fulcrum of balance 20 may occur at alocation less than or equal to halfway from the centerline 18 to thefirst fin 12. For example, the first fulcrum of balance 20 may belocated at about a midpoint of the first lateral distance 11. In furtherrelated aspects, the first fin may be mounted no greater than twice afirst pressure point distance 21 between the centerline 18 to the firstpressure point (tip of arrow 15).

In the present example, the first lateral distance 11 comprises a userdefined distance from the centerline 18. In another example, (notshown), the first lateral distance may be defined with respect to thefin location or surfboard edge. In other words, the lateral distance maybe defined as the distance from axis 19 toward the center of the board.

In yet further related aspects, the surfboard may comprise a second fin13 securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a secondlateral distance from the centerline 18, resulting in a second fulcrumof balance located along the second lateral distance. Here, the foot maytransfer a second downward pressure to the body at a second pressurepoint (e.g., at the ball and/or toes of the foot). The second fulcrum ofbalance may be located between the centerline 18 and the second pressurepoint, such that the user is able to apply the second downward pressureto a second fin-ward side of the second fulcrum of balance. For example,the second fulcrum of balance may occur at a second location less thanor equal to halfway from the centerline to the second fin.

In still further related aspects, the first pressure point may belocated between the first fulcrum of balance 20 and the first fin 12,such that the user is able to apply the downward pressure to a fin-wardside of the first fulcrum of balance 20.

In accordance with aspects of the embodiments described herein, there isprovided a method that involves: (a) averaging a downward pressure by auser's heel in a tail region of a surfboard; (b) determining a pressurepoint in the tail region at which the heel transfers a defined downwardpressure; and (c) mounting a fin to a bottom surface of the tail regionof the surfboard at a selected distance from the surfboard's centerline,such that a resulting fulcrum of balance for the surfboard is locatedbetween the centerline and the pressure point. For example, the fulcrumof balance may occur at a location less than or equal to halfway fromthe centerline to the fin.

In the alternative, or in addition, step (a) may comprise averaging adownward pressure by a user's ball or toe area in a tail region of asurfboard, and step (b) may comprise determining a pressure point in thetail region at which the ball/toe transfers a defined downward pressure.The method may further involve performing similar calculations for adifferent part of the user's foot, and then mounting a second fin to thebottom surface of the tail region to achieve similar fulcrum-of-balanceresults as step (c).

In accordance with one or more aspects of the particular subject of thisdisclosure, there is provided a surfboard with one or more multi-finplugs or attachment devices for accommodating multiple foot sizes. Forexample, a pair of multi-position fin plugs may be placed at the bottomsurface in the tail region of the surfboard, wherein the plugs allow thesurfer to place fins at the appropriate positions relative to his/herfoot length. In one approach, a first fin may be placed at the toe tipand a second fin may be placed at the heel of the foot. This is incontrast to known surfboard designs with fins placed either on thecenterline of the surfboard, in the case of single fin surfboards, ornear the rail or edge of the surfboard, as in the case of twin fin,three fin or thruster, or quad fin configurations. For example in thecase of a thruster, the two forward fins are usually placed under thesurfer's back foot approximately one inch from the edge of the surfboardwith a trailing fin further towards the back of the surfboard in aposition directly over the centerline of the board.

FIG. 5 discloses the plan view of a fin attachment device commonlycalled a plug in the art. Multiple anchors 111 are used to help thesurfboard maker firmly attach the plug to the surfboard. The exampleembodiment is placed on the surfboard in a lateral position meaning thatthey are placed along a line that is perpendicular to the surfboardscenterline 134 towards the two sides of the surfboard.

In a traditional single fin plug system, there is a slot for the base ofthe surfboard fin to be inserted and an angled screw hole which allows athreaded pin or screw to be used to apply pressure to the bottom of thefin base to stop it from being pulled out or moving during use. Incontrast to such a traditional fin plug system, there is needed aconfiguration that allows for multiple lateral fin positions. Forexample, the disclosed plug in FIG. 5 shows a three position plugdesigned to be used on the right side of the surfboard. A similar multiposition plug would logically be placed on the other side of thesurfboard in practice.

The plug features three fin base slots. The slot 110 closest to thecenterline of the surfboard is on the left, the slot 113 closest to theedge of the surfboard is on the right and the middle slot 114 is in thecenter of the two other slots. Each slot has a threaded hole 112 thatallows the rider to anchor the base of the fin to the plug using athreaded pin or screw.

FIG. 6 shows the lateral multi-fin plug from the side view where thereis a cross section at the point shown 115 in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows howthe threaded hole 112 seen in FIG. 5 angles down 116 in the side view toallow the threaded pin or screw to engage the surface of the base of thesurfboard fin and anchor it for use while surfing. The same threadedholes can be seen for the innermost 119, middle 118, and outermost 117fin slots.

FIG. 7 shows how the three slots 110, 114, 113 are angled slightlytowards the leading edge of the plug so that a centerline projected fromeach slot converges at a point 139 towards the front of the surfboard.In the example embodiment the distance 130 from the centerline 134 ofthe board to the point of convergence 139 for the centerlines 133, 132,131 of the three fin slots 110, 114, 113 of the lateral multi-fin plugis one inch. The distance from the centerline 130 and position 135 ofthe point of convergence 139 may be calculated. Such calculationtechniques may be expanded to cover the case of the lateral multi-finplug rather than just one in the case of a traditional fin plug.

In the example embodiment, the surfboard uses two forward fins withlateral multi-fin plugs positioned the same distance from the centerlineof the board along a line 138 that is perpendicular to the centerline134 of the surfboard.

FIG. 8 describes an example embodiment of how the lateral multi-finplugs are placed on either side of the surfboard in relation to thelength of the foot of the surfer using the surfboard.

The two lateral multi-fin plugs 151, 152 are placed along a line 138that is perpendicular to the centerline of the surfboard. In the exampleembodiment the lateral multi-fin plugs 151, 152 have been designed toaccommodate use by surfers with foot sizes of standard shoe size nine158 to standard shoe size eleven 156.

During manufacture, the surfboard maker will place the lateral multi-finplugs 151, 152 at a position that is equidistant from the centerline ofthe surfboard so that the tip of the toe of a size nine foot 158 willjust touch the centerline of the inside slot 162 of the plug 151 on theleft hand side of the board. The heel of a size nine foot 158 will justtouch the centerline of the inside slot 163 of the right side plug 152.The distance 153 from the two inside plug slots to each other will bethe length 153 of a size-nine foot. The position of the toe and heel inthe above example swaps depending on whether the surfer is a natural(left foot forward) or goofy foot (right foot forward) surfer.

The plug slots are half an inch apart. This allows for a size ten 157and size eleven 156 foot to be accommodated with the same set of lateralmulti-fin plugs without the need to modify or customize the surfboardfor the surfer.

As a result a surfer with a size-eleven foot can place their fins on theoutermost fin slots 166, 167 or in the middle slots 164, 165 for a sizeten 157 foot.

The example embodiment is provided on the assumption that the majorityof surfers being targeted by the surfboard manufacturer have between asize-nine and a size-eleven foot. However, lateral multi-fin plugs canbe modified to accommodate any combination of foot sizes requested bythe surfboard manufacturer.

Alternative embodiments may contain more slots and/or a greater lateralwidth to accommodate surfers with a wider range of foot sizes.Additionally a lateral multi-fin plug could contain slots with a smallerdistance between each slot to allow finer tuning of the fin position tothe surfers foot size. An alternative embodiment could contain two ormore fin slots in the lateral position that is perpendicular to thecenterline of the surfboard.

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, there isprovided a surfboard having an elongated body extending between a noseand a tail along a centerline of a longitudinal axis, wherein the bodycomprises a deck, a bottom surface, and a tail region. The surfboard mayhave a first multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface inthe tail region at a first lateral distance from the centerline, whereinthe first multi-fin plug comprises a first plurality of fin base slotsto accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin. In relatedaspects, the surfboard may have a second multi-fin plug securely mountedto the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distancefrom the centerline, wherein the second multi-fin plug is on an oppositeside of the centerline with respect to the first multi-fin plug andcomprises a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiplelateral positions for a second fin

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, there isprovided a surfboard having an elongated board having a centerline of alongitudinal axis, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a tail region.The surfboard may have a first plug securely mounted to the bottomsurface in the tail region at a first lateral distance from thecenterline, wherein the first plug comprises a first plurality of finbase slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin.The surfboard may also have a second plug securely mounted to the bottomsurface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from thecenterline, wherein the second plug comprises a second plurality of finbase slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin,and thereby accommodate multiple foot lengths.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described withparticularity in terms of preferred embodiments, it should be understoodthat no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended thereby.Features of any of the foregoing methods and devices may be substitutedor added into the others, as will be apparent to those of skill in theart. It should also be understood that variations of the particularembodiments described herein incorporating the principles of the presentinvention will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art and yet bewithin the scope of the invention.

1. A surfboard, comprising: an elongated body extending between a noseand a tail along a centerline of a longitudinal axis, and comprising: adeck; a bottom surface; and a tail region; and a first multi-fin plugsecurely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a firstlateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first multi-fin plugcomprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiplelateral positions for a first fin.
 2. The surfboard of claim 1, whereina given one of the first plurality of fin base slots is aligned with oneof a toe tip and a heel of a user.
 3. The surfboard of claim 1, whereinthe first multi-fin plug further comprises a first plurality of grooves,each groove interfacing with one of the first plurality of fin baseslots, each groove configured to receive a fastener for the first fin.4. The surfboard of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises one of athreaded pin and a screw.
 5. The surfboard of claim 1, wherein eachgiven slot of the first plurality of fin base slots is angled such thata given line extending from the given slot toward the nose converges ata first convergence point laterally offset from the centerline at thenose by a first defined distance.
 6. The surfboard of claim 1, furthercomprising a second multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottomsurface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from thecenterline, wherein the second multi-fin plug is on an opposite side ofthe centerline with respect to the first multi-fin plug and comprises asecond plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateralpositions for a second fin.
 7. The surfboard of claim 6, wherein thefirst plurality of fin base slots and the second plurality of fin baseslots are spaced to accommodate multiple foot sizes.
 8. The surfboard ofclaim 6, wherein the second lateral distance comprises the first lateraldistance.
 9. The surfboard of claim 6, wherein: a given one of the firstplurality of fin base slots is aligned with a toe tip of a user; and agiven one of the second plurality of fin base slots is aligned with oneof a heel of the user.
 10. The surfboard of claim 6, wherein the secondmulti-fin plug further comprises a second plurality of grooves, eachgroove interfacing with one of the second plurality of fin base slots,each groove configured to receive a fastener for the second fin.
 11. Thesurfboard of claim 6, wherein each given slot of the second plurality offin base slots is angled such that a given line extending from the givenslot toward the nose converges at a second convergence point laterallyoffset from the centerline at the nose by a second defined distance. 12.The surfboard of claim 11, wherein the second defined distance comprisesthe first defined distance.
 13. A surfboard, comprising: an elongatedboard comprising: a centerline of a longitudinal axis; a top surface; abottom surface; and a tail region; a first plug securely mounted to thebottom surface in the tail region at a first lateral distance from thecenterline, wherein the first plug comprises a first plurality of finbase slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin;and a second plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tailregion at a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein thesecond plug comprises a second plurality of fin base slots toaccommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin.
 14. Thesurfboard of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of fin base slots andthe second plurality of fin base slots are spaced to accommodatemultiple foot sizes.
 15. The surfboard of claim 13, wherein: the firstplug further comprises a first plurality of grooves, each grooveconfigured to receive a first fastener for the first fin; and the secondplug further comprises a second plurality of grooves, each grooveconfigured to receive a second fastener for the second fin.
 16. Thesurfboard of claim 13, wherein the second lateral distance comprises thefirst lateral distance.
 17. The surfboard of claim 13, wherein eachgiven slot of the first plurality of fin base slots is angled such thata given line extending from the given slot toward a board nose convergesat a first convergence point laterally offset from the centerline at thenose by a first defined distance.
 18. The surfboard of claim 13, whereineach given slot of the second plurality of fin base slots is angled suchthat a given line extending from the given slot toward a board noseconverges at a second convergence point laterally offset from thecenterline at the nose by a second defined distance.
 19. A method,comprising: calculating a plurality of foot sizes for surfboard users;mounting a first plug to a bottom surface of a surfboard at a firstlateral distance from a surfboard centerline, the first plug comprisinga first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateralpositions for a first fin to be aligned with a user heel; mounting asecond plug to the bottom surface at a second lateral distance from thecenterline, the second plug comprising a second plurality of fin baseslots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin to bealigned with a user toe tip, wherein the first plurality of fin baseslots and the second plurality of fin base slots are spaced toaccommodate the plurality of foot sizes.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising: determining a foot size for a given user; insertingand securing the first fin to a selected one of the first plurality offin base slots; and inserting and securing the second fin to a selectedone of the second plurality of fin base slots, wherein a fin-to-findistance between the first and second fins corresponds to the foot size.